Police release photos of sledgehammer found not far from victim

Posted
Thursday, January 23, 2014 1:00 pm

In its ongoing investigation of the murder of Jack Fay, whose beaten body was found on May 18 in City Park, Warwick Police released photographs yesterday of a sledgehammer found in a “woody swampy” area not far from the body.

The hammer was found within hours of police arriving at the location where the body was discovered. At the time, police did not identify or suggest that the hammer was used in the murder.

Det. Capt. Robert Nelson said he hopes someone will come forward to identify the hammer that is unique because of its handle. He suggested someone could recognize it as a missing tool, perhaps stolen or lost.

“It has a very distinct head,” Nelson said, suggesting that it could have once been used by a blacksmith. He said the hammer is at least 40 years old. He also believes the hammer “lends itself to someone older” since it appears to have belonged to someone for an extended period.

“We want to let people know we’re still working on this [the Fay murder],” Nelson said.

Nelson said 20 people were assigned to investigate the murder immediately following the discovery of Fay’s body in a trashcan lying on its side next to a trail. Fay, 66, was a retired postal worker and a regular early-morning park jogger. Police think he was killed on May 17.

On average, Nelson said, five detectives continue working on the case. Heading the team is Det. Sgt. Mark Canning.

“We’re still tracking stuff down,” said Nelson.

The sledgehammer weighs 2.5 pounds and is 10 inches in length. Those with information about the hammer are asked to call Canning at 401-468-4236 or the anonymous TIP line at 401-732-TIPS (401-732-8477).